At least when you go to a Porsche dealer most people look like they give a shit about cars.

Then why do the Macan and Cayenne sell far more than the 911 and 718s...? The companies 2 SUV's make up for more than HALF of their vehicles sold globally.

What exactly is "wrong" about the BMW clientele?

Because those two SUVs still share the Porsche heritage while being utilitarian. As opposed to most BMW models being a corolla, Camry, civic, accord, etc redesigned and rebadged as a BMW. No BMW heritage in most of their lineup except for the M cars.

That's why most Macan and Cayenne buyers look for sport chrono, S, or other sporty options. As opposed to most BMW drivers that look for features such as, digital cockpit, drivers assistance shit, massage seats, etc.

I don't think the M235i looks bad. But I also wouldn't disagree if someone said it looks like a really nice Forte or Corolla. I don't think I can get past that (and I've even accepted the big grilles).

Inspired by Civic Type-R (minus the spoiler). Unfortunately for BMW, the Type-R has more enthusiast cred.

Special thanks to BMW. We just got the first F44 M235i for the Cincinnati AutoExpo. Good looking car, love the ambient lights.

Good looking car? NO.

I like the color and the interior looks nice and modern, but thats about it.
This car screams "I sold out" Its all about the money, no graces about it, just pump out some ugly crap and will still sell because it has the BMW badge.

BMW's ever expanding product portfolio and destruction of their core values that made them a company that I always enjoyed purchasing from. Their new designs are for the masses and no longer for the purist. Car industry is headed toward a sad state of affairs for anyone who truly loves cars.

You know, the most depressing part about this is that the companies proclaim that the industry is changing too fast. Consumers want other things. etc.
But all of this pain is self inflicted.

Who wants this? They say they need to capture some of the market from Audi and Merc, but their offerings are way more appealing than this.

BMW should have used the R&D to make something that would truly compete in this segment and be innovative at the same time. Electric? Maybe IDK. But something better than this half attempt at cost cutting

BMW management is showing signs of dissonance and disconnect from their brand, their fans and the public.

These two cars objectively look terrible. You seriously have to fanboy so hard to not realize this. I don't mind change but no.. just no. Parked side by side is even worse. I have no idea what person would buy this over a GTI or S3.

I am sure it is a perfectly adequate car. Probably a bit better than a Kia Forte. Probably not as good as a Civic.

Who in the world will pay BMW money for this? It has neither luxury (only Sensatec and Dakota offered) nor performance (front wheel drive). I suppose for posers who want the badge but who else wants this?

It doesn't bother me that BMW is selling this so long as they are selling me what I want. Unfortunately...the company seems to be veering away from my desires (small car with luxury and performance and I am willing to pay for that; but it can't be butt ugly like the new 4 series and M3/M4.